Council Minutes

Adopted Minutes January 27, 2026 Minutes of the Reorganization Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Bound Brook, in the County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, held at Borough Hall at 7:00 p.m. on January 27, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Dominic Longo with the reading of the Open Public Meetings Law Statement followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Upon roll call, the following were recorded present: Mayor Dominic Longo C. Trina Folkes C. Shawn Guerra C. Kendall Lopez C. David Morris C. Glen Rossi C. Mark Speed Also in attendance: Borough Clerk- Administrator, Jasmine D. McCoy Borough Attorney, Brian Chabarek, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. ADVERTISED HEARING OR SPECIAL PRESENTATION Mayor Dominic Longo presented a proclamation to the Police Department for the FBI LEEDA Agency Trilogy Award. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. There were no presentations of communications or petitions. GREETINGS FOR COMMENTS AND INVITATIONS FOR DISCUSSION Andres Jinete urged the governing body to send a statement to the New Jersey governor and attorney general regarding new residents’ constitutional rights. OPENING OF BIDS No bid openings were held. Page 1 of 8 Adopted Minutes January 27, 2026 ENGINEER’S REPORT- DALE LEUBNER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Dale Leubner, Director of Public Works, reported the 2025 Road Program application was submitted to the State. An application will be submitted to the Community Development Grant for Clearview Place on the north side. Shawn Kemp reported that the Finance Committee has met to review preliminary figures for the 2026 Municipal Budget. He noted that the EMS Department generated $385,000 in revenue last year and that the annual debt statement has been filed with the Municipal Clerk. Councilwoman Trina Folkes reported that the Planning Board meeting was adjourned. She noted that the Cultural Arts Committee has elected new officers and agreed to pause the mural project. The committee is planning a murder mystery dinner in August and will coordinate with the Battle of Bound Brook Committee to provide tricorn hats and incorporate children’s activities. She also discussed Memorial Day Parade float participation and potential music options. The Brook Arts Center recently hosted a soirée featuring a live band. The Arts Center will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year and is seeking community participation. Additionally, it is offering free technology sessions for youth on Tuesday evenings. Councilman David Morris reported that the Department of Public Works (DPW) performed diligently during the recent snowstorm. He also noted that the Youth Services Alliance is experiencing limited participation and is collaborating with the Somerset County Office of Youth Services, which recently presented “Immigration 101,” a basic overview of U.S. immigration. Additionally, he reported that Middle Earth’s mentoring program has lost county funding due to an error in the grant application and may no longer be able to support services in Bound Brook. He recommended authorizing grant writers to assist Middle Earth in securing funding as it relates to the Borough. Councilman Shawn Guerra reported that the SID met on January 12 to discuss the budget, with a focus on visual improvements, landscaping and lighting throughout the district and enhanced business outreach. Councilman Guerra commended emergency services for their strong coordination and teamwork. He noted that the Fire Department currently has 48 active members and has responded to 33 calls for service in December 2025, with 27 calls for service in January. Annual refresher training is due by January 31; including FIT testing, bloodborne pathogens, sexual harassment and SCBA refresher training. Apparatus maintenance for 2025 has been completed. The Fire Department will be schedule events for Bound Brook schools, a walkthrough of a firehouse is scheduled in the upcoming months. EMS surpassed its annual revenue goal of $300,000, generating a total of $385,000. In 2025 department had 18 active members, and responded to 1,646 calls for service. The department operates two ambulances and one support vehicle. Page 2 of 8 Adopted Minutes January 27, 2026 The Police Department currently has 28 sworn officers and continues to prioritize community policing and social media engagement, including updates related to the CPAC officer. Councilman David Morris asked for an update on a welcome wagon. Councilman Guerra advised the SID has budgeted for a welcome wagon packet for businesses. Mayor Longo announced that the Police Department was awarded FBI LEEDA Agency Trilogy Award. Mayor Longo clarified that the EMS Department’s revenue goal is to become self-sustaining through billing insurance companies, rather than charging residents. Councilman Mark Speed reported Bryan Growchowski and Jospeh Lucariello are on the agenda to be promoted within the Public Works Department. The meeting with the seniors was cancelled for January. Council President Kendall Lopez reported the Economic Development Committee met on January 26 with prospective developers. The Historic Preservation Commission meet in February. The Recreation Department has formed a committee for the Memorial Day Parade. Councilman David Morris requested an update on the Talmage Commons project and affordable housing units within the project. Council President Lopez advised that the committee met with the developer during the meeting and continues to negotiate affordable housing units. Councilman Glen Rossi reported that the Shade Tree Commission is planning tree plantings for Arbor Day and the Battle of Bound Brook. He also noted that Code Enforcement continues to focus on enforcement efforts along Main Street. Additionally, the department has implemented online payments for permits, online inspector scheduling, and electronic permitting. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES – FIRST READING Ordinance 2026-06 An Ordinance Amending the Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2 Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 ET SEQ. Upon a motion by Councilman Shawn Guerra, seconded by Councilman Glen Rossi, Ordinance 2026-06 was approved on first reading upon a roll call vote. The public hearing was scheduled to be held on February 24, 2026. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed Ordinance 2026-07 An Ordinance Supplementing and Amending Chapter 29, Section 29-1.2, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Bound Brook to Prohibit Page 3 of 8 Adopted Minutes January 27, 2026 the Issuance of Additional Refuse Totes, Bulk Sticker and Participation in Bulk Pick Up Due to Delinquent Refuse Payments Upon a motion by Councilman Glen Rossi, seconded by Council President Kendall Lopez, Ordinance 2026-07 was approved on first reading upon a roll call vote. The public hearing was scheduled to be held on February 24, 2026. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed ORDINANCE ON FINAL READING AND CONSIDERATION- SECOND READING Ordinance 2026-01 An Ordinance Repealing the Borough Code of the Borough of Bound Brook Chapter 2, Article VI Entitled “Boards, Commissions, Committees and Agencies,” Specifically Section 31 of Entitled Parking Commission Upon a motion by Councilman Shawn Guerra, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes, the floor was opened to the public for comment. There were no public comments. Upon a motion by Councilman Shawn Guerra, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes the floor was closed to public comment. Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, Ordinance 2026-01 approved on second reading upon a roll call vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Nay: David Morris, Mark Speed Abstain: Glen Rossi Ordinance 2026-02 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 “Administration,” Article VI “Boards, Commissions, Committees and Agencies,” Section 2-35 “Library Advisory Board” to Eliminate the Library Advisory Board and Designate the Borough Administrator as Liaison Upon a motion by Councilman Shawn Guerra, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes, the floor was opened to the public for comment. There were no public comments. Upon a motion by Councilwoman Trina Folkes, seconded by Council President Kendall Lopez the floor was closed to public comment. Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, motioned to pass Ordinance 2026-02. Council President Kendall Lopez requested clarification on the advisory board’s overseeing money and how much is currently in their bank account. Councilman David Morris explained the Page 4 of 8 Adopted Minutes January 27, 2026 funds are residual bequests made directly to the library and transferred to the advisory board when the Borough signed the contract to have the county run the library. Discussion was held on the funds being transferred to the Borough and being held in a trust fund. Councilman Glen Rossi expressed bad timing for dissolving the board. Councilman Mark Speed expressed the importance of maximizing community involvement in the boards and commissions. Upon a motion by President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Glen Rossi, Ordinance 2026-02 was tabled upon a roll call vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed Ordinance 2026-03 An Ordinance Repealing the Borough Code of the Borough of Bound Brook Chapter 2, Article VI Entitled “Boards, Commissions, Committees and Agencies,” Specifically Section 36 Entitled “Architectural Review Advisory Committee” Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, the floor was opened to the public for comment. There were no public comments. Upon a motion by Councilwoman Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra the floor was closed to public comment. Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, Ordinance 2026-03 was approved on second reading upon a roll call vote. Mayor Dominic Longo voted in favor of Ordinance 2026-03 breaking the tie vote. Councilman Mark Speed asked the benefit of dissolving the Architectural Review Committee and emphasized the importance of maximizing the community’s input. Mayor Dominic Longo stated the Planning Board does a great job in reviewing the planning board applications. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, Dominic Longo Nay: David Morris, Glen Rossi, Mark Speed Ordinance 2026-04 An Ordinance Repealing the Borough Code of the Borough of Bound Brook Chapter 2, Article VI Entitled “Boards, Commissions, Committees and Agencies”, Specifically 33, “Board of Recreation Commissioners” and Establishing a Recreation Advisory Board Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, the floor was opened to the public for comment. There were no public comments. Upon a motion Page 5 of 8 Adopted Minutes January 27, 2026 by Councilwoman Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes the floor was closed to public comment. Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, Ordinance 2026-04 was approved on second reading upon a roll call vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, Glen Rossi Nay: David Morris, Mark Speed Ordinance 2026-05 An Ordinance Amending the Borough Code of the Borough of Bound Brook Chapter 2, Article VI Entitled “Departments Established”, Specifically Section 23 Entitled "Department of Recreation” Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, the floor was opened to the public for comment. There were no public comments. Upon a motion by Councilwoman Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes the floor was closed to public comment. Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, Ordinance 2026-05 was approved on second reading upon a roll call vote. Councilman Mark H. Speed asked the Borough Attorney, following the passage of the recent ordinance, what the impact would be on Recreation programs if the ordinance were to fail. It was clarified that his questions referred to a previous version of the agenda. Under the ordinance, Recreation would be removed as a division under the Department of Public Works. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, Glen Rossi Nay: None Abstain: David Morris, Mark Speed INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION OF RESOLUTIONS 2026-025 Resolution Introducing the 2026 Special Improvement District Budget in the Amount of $265,000.00 Upon a motion by Councilman Shawn Guerra, seconded by Council President Kendall Lopez, Resolution 2026-025, was passed on first reading upon a roll call vote. The public hearing was scheduled to be held on February 24, 2026. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris Glen Rossi, Mark Speed Page 6 of 8 Adopted Minutes January 27, 2026 Upon a motion by Councilman Shawn Guerra, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes, Resolutions 2026-026 through 2026-037 were unanimously adopted upon a roll call vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris Glen Rossi, Mark Speed 2026-026 Resolution Accepting the Resignation of David Dombey from the Planning Board 2026-027 Resolution Approving a 100% Veteran Property Tax Exemption for 105 La Monte Avenue, Also Known on the Tax Map As Block 3, Lot 7.01 2026-028 Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of Brian Grochowski to Supervisor in the Department of Public Works 2026-029 Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of Joseph Lucariello to Driver in the Department of Public Works 2026-030 Resolution Awarding 2026 Professional Service Contracts 2026-031 Resolution Accepting the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety State Fiscal Year 2025 State Body Armor Replacement Fund (BARF) Program Grant 2026-032 Resolution Appointing Steve Rodzinak as Municipal Housing Liaison 2026-033 Resolution Approving a 100% Veteran Property Tax Exemption for 248 West High Street, Also Known As Block 29, Lot 5 2026-034 Resolution Authorizing 2026 Temporary Budget Appropriations 2026-035 Resolution Authorizing Transfer of Year 2025 Budget Appropriations 2026-036 Resolution Authorizing the Borough Clerk-Administrator to Execute the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grant Agreement Administered by the New Jersey Historic Trust UNFINISHED BUSINESS No unfinished business was discussed. NEW BUSINESS Borough Administrator, Jasmine McCoy, stated the Borough switched from CodeRed to Rave Alert for community advisory notices. The public can text BBALERTS to 226787 to receive Borough alerts. Page 7 of 8 Adopted Minutes January 27, 2026 Ms. McCoy reported that residential parking is transitioning to a portal. Residents will receive a letter providing instructions on registering their vehicles. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS 2026-038 Resolution Approving Vouchers in the Amount of $782,988.36 Upon a motion by Councilman Shawn Guerra, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes, Resolution 2026-038 was unanimously approved upon a roll call vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris Glen Rossi, Mark Speed OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR COMMENT AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Councilman Glen Rossi, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Page 8 of 8